Young Gallery at Salisbury library

The galleries in the Salisbury Library have been re-named the Young Gallery in the recognition of the original bequest by Edwin Young that established the original gallery in 1913.

The galleries to provide permanent exhibitions which both mark the life and achievements of both Edwin Young and John Creasey and provide access to the collections held by the Edwin Young and John Creasey Museum Trusts. More information is available on the Young Gallery dedicated website.

The collections held at the Young Gallery at the Salisbury Library consist of:

John Creasey Museum

This museum consists mainly of works on paper by current British artists and students, with an emphasis on art with a Wiltshire connection. Works by Moore, Huxley, Hockney, Jones, Nash, Blackadder and Francis are some of the artists represented in this growing collection. Six exhibitions are held each year showing objects from the permanent collection.

Also held are the literary collections of well-known crime and thriller author John Creasey. This permanent collection of books, manuscripts and objects relating to the late John Creasey can be viewed by appointment.

The Edwin Young Collection

The collection has in the region of 535 watercolours, drawings and unfinished works of art, all by Edwin Young.

Edwin Young (1831-1913) was a skilled and creative Victorian water colourist - the best of his work being fine examples of the field.

The collection provides an important source of historical subject matter, illustrating Salisbury and its surrounding area from the middle of the 19th century to the period just prior to the First World War

In addition to this historic collection, there is a growing collection of watercolours by artists from all periods demonstrating the unique qualities of the watercolour medium.

Edgar Barclay (1842-1913) a romantic Victorian artist who was very taken by Stonehenge. Besides painting the monument he also wrote a detailed book about its perceived origins and purpose. The collection consists of small oil paintings of the monument and rural life surrounding it.

Robin Tanner (1904-1988) archive of his studies, notebooks, drawings and art work produced by children at Ivey Lane School, Chippenham under his tutelage.